PPF AUSTRALIA

I know I know, another PPF thread lol.

Can any of the aussies on this forum kindly tell me what the going rate is for markets? I am talking the mumsy/homemade kind of market.

I am thinking $5 per face... apparently that's what the previous painter charged, I like the idea that it's easy to work out the money (counting is not my forte hehe!!) and to be honest i think I put the same effort into painting a spider on someone's cheek as I do painting a tiger. Your thoughts please?

Thanks!

Where are you? That makes a difference I think. In the country it was a flat $5. I'm on the coast again now and doing $3 for super basic, $5 standard, $10 full face. I was happy with $5 in the country as the same people came back every single time and they knew it was awesome value for money. Regulars are where it is at for ppf in that context. On the coast expenses are higher so I've just upped the rates and people are happy to pay it. if you are in the city I'd be doing minimum $8.

I am in South Australia.
For events such as these do you have a board with specific designs that fall under the $3 and $5 and $8 categories ? Then do you only do what's on your board so that there is no confusion?

I am a bit nervous about doing this ppf thing!!

I have no board usually and it works quite well. Although this week past it seemed that the kids completely lacked imagination and were al trying to chose the same 4 things from my banner. I do have a picture board of designs (unpriced) which I have out at ppf to show that I can actually paint but it says on it "this is only a small sample of the designs available, please feel free to use your imagination"

Don't be nervous about ppf. It's great fun. It's funny, I still get soo nervous about paid gigs as it is their time and money whereas with ppf it's all on me!

Hi from NZ... as we are just across the ditch I thought I'd jump in our usual rate for a ppf event is a $5 flat rate regardless of whether it is cheek, half or full face. People seem to be happy with that and it makes it a lot easier with change. If it is a gig for adults like a festival, big day out kind of event etc then we charge $10 ppf.

Hi again from N.Z...I reckon there is no harm in having alot of variety..that way you can show off your talents and get future bookings for all sorts of parties..It took alot of effort and hard work but i now have 140 designs on my board which I use for all my ppf events..the prices are 3,4,6,9 and 12 dollars..I now want to change it and add the super bling masks like marcelas and have staggered prices up to $15..That way people choose the option they are happy with, you dont have to worry about being too expensive....And you get to paint some more fun designs..I put some really detailed ones on my board too ,,it has really helped me speed up in those designs...Oh yeah and ppf is HEAPS of fun!

I charge $5. But $3 for small quick heart flower etc. I do a weekly market and have regular customers and I get most of my paid gigs through being there. I also do a monthly evening market.

I agree with freedspirit. Offer a variety of prices. Let your customer decide what they are willing to pay. I was a little hesitant to offer $9 designs, but it seems many people ARE willing to pay for the extra detail and time. My designs start at $3, then $5, $7, $9. Don't be too worried about change. What matters, at the end of the day, is that you are getting compensated adequately for your time, investment, talent and service. Plus, like freedspirit says, by offering higher priced designs you get to showcase your best work, not just your fast and furious stuff... sure, the majority of customers may go for the basic painting / cheek art (I never call it that) but at least they will KNOW what you are capable of if they are considering a party.

Thanks for all your responses !

I've never had a board, just painted what kids have asked for. I took pictures in my early days but as I've gotten better I have taken less photos as at the paid gigs that I've done I've either not had time to photograph the kids or their parents haven't been around for me to ask their permission.

Have any of you got any pictures of your photo boards to give me some ideas? Do you think that I could paint my mannequin's head and photograph it for my board? I am worried it would look unprofessional.

Also, what other signs to you have up in your booth when you ppf?
I have read that it's handy to have a mirror standing away from where you're painting so that kids can ooh and ahh at themselves as long as they like without holding up a line. I am trying to think of safe ways of hanging/standing a mirror up, what do you do?
thankyou sooo much for your input x

for ppf in Nth QLD i charge $5 full face (butterfly, masks,spidy,batman) and $4 for cheek (dolphin, spider, snake).

Usually people will complain about the prices at the start but cough up the money and love it at the end. I did these prices at a bigger event and my line up was HUGE so i think ill up it $5 and $7. no cheap/quick designs or i will be doing them all day.

I've been getting tips lately because the customers are saying my $5 designs are too cheap and worth more. Although I have just moved closer to Sydney. Who knew Australians even knew how to tip?

OK ladies and gentlemen, I have my PPF Gig tomorrow... quietly shitting my pants lol. I hate taking money!

I am so confused about how I do this...I have a few examples up of what you get for $3, $5 and $8 ...

If the kid asks for something that's not on my board, do I then ask the parent what version they want? ie $3/$5/$8 ?

I don't know why i feel so awkward about this !

It always feels hard to take money off people, but after a couple you will be fine.

I look at it like:
$3- they would have that in coins around the house/car
$5- a new release dvd or garlic bread at a resturant
$8- a couple of weeklys, a bruschetta, or hungry jacks meal

You do art. they love to see their kids smile and be happy. Totally worth it. that money covers talent, paint, time, brushes, petrol, phone calls, equipment, a coffee on the day if at a market etc

If it isn't on the board and you haven't painted it before, perhaps think about the extra time it will take to design, so don't charge the cheapest.

I think those prices are way too cheap. I would do $5-6, $8 and $10. Trust me they will pay.

If you are inundated with people- you are too cheap. If you have lookers no buyers, you are too expensive. Be confident in your pricing and they will pay.

Best of luck, take water, BREATHE and you will be awesome.

You are painting joy! What could be more fun, valuable and exciting! x

Thanks Ainslie.

Perhaps my prices are too cheap.. hmmm... will see how tomorrow goes as a tester.

I only have 2 examples of an $8 face eeeek !

I am sort of going by - full face $8
half - $5
something on the cheek $3
i have a zombie and tiger example for my $8... so annoyed i dont have more examples of the one that I really want to sell !!!!!!!!

Just take a camera, and as the kids ask, just take photos of the designs you don't have for next time.